Be sure to read the overview pages for this line at .06A on the left index.
Lineages displayed here were provided by individual ydna kit members, or their representatives, who are solely responsible for providing any ethical or copyright credits..
Visit the related Phelps YDNA Project here.
This page is being maintained by D Phelps dphelps61 AT alumni dot wfu dot edu or markphe AT gmail dot com
7/2017 Kit 662857, who closely matched the James of Caswell Phelps, has tested positive for the indicator SNP of that line: BY4136. SNP testing is far more reliable than the typical STR ydna testing used previously. The project managers felt it was best to begin testing the key indicator SNPs of the three major lines - SNPs being most reliable. This was accomplished as of 2017.
Adding that evidence to the genealogy research and the previous STR matches, I and Walter Phelps, co-administrators, are confinced there is no reason to doubt the John of Halifax line had a common ancestor with James of Caswell... and also with the William d. 1811 of Albemarle who has the same SNP confirmation.
Yet, the mystery remains of who was the Jno Felps of Pulaski, KY, living with three sons of James.
6/2017: The 37 marker yDNA test (using STR dna) indicates the closest genetic distance to the members of the James of Caswell, NC line. Recent research by Mark Phelps also suggests a close relationship to that line. It was a document in the NC Sec of State file which documents that the John Phelps who witnessed the will of James was of "Halifax Co, Virginia". He actually was wrote the will as dictated by James. To many the evidence now links the James line to the Halifax Phelps, likely as brothers or father and son. See John Phelps who wrote James' will as directed by James Phelps (Caswell) Named as of Halifax Co, VA Abstracts of "Early Records of NC Vol 1 Probates, admn, inventories." Secretary of State file S108.263
Previous to 2017: After extensive research and visits by Doug Phelps,, Mark Phelps and his dad, Latham, to Halifax and Pittsylvania, VA, there is no[genealogical] proof that our James was related to the family of John Phelps d1749 Halifax. However, it is still very possible, considering the closeness and movements of the Phelps families back and forth.
5/18/2017 For the first time in our project we have a yDNA test of a paternal descendant of John d. 1794 Halifax. The lineage below was developed by Walter Phelps, with other information provided by project members.
Paternal line of the single tested descendant.
1. John Phelps d. 1794 in Halifax, Atrim Parish m. Drusilla
2. William Phelps b. abt 1765 (see below details) d. 1840 Henderson Co, TN m. Elizabeth McCraw (
3. John Wimbush Phelps b. Halifax, m. Lodicia "Dicy" Brightwell Pittsylvania Co,Va , 12/27/1825; moved to Henderson Co, TN See note 2 ; moved to Chocktaw, Yalobusha, Ms, 1850 Census
4. William Alexander Phelps d. 1889 Ms.
5. John Lewis Phelps d. 1956 Ms.
6. James Melvin Phelps d. 2 Nov 1969 in Mississippi. Many children TWO STEPCHILDREN (dont test)
Descendant kit 662857 Positive snp BY4136 Negative BY4135
For the sources of this line, refer to researcher Walter Phelps <blaitinen46@gmail.com> whose sources are at ancestry.com
Phelps-Weets-Saxon-Veal MASTER TREE)
Descendants of John of Halifax d. 1794 Phelps (Captain? )
Researched by Douglas Phelps with assistance from Walter Phelps, Mark Phelps, Brenda Emery, and others. See dphelps61 AT suddenlink.net
As of 03/2018
Yellow indicates some doubt remains
1 John of Halifax d. 1794 Phelps d: 1794 in Halifax, Atrim Parish See his will See censuses
.. m. Drusilla
. 2 John Phelps b: bet 1761 and 1770 See census records further down. d: 1846 in Halifax Co, VA (see his 1845 will)
| m. Lucy Walthall 17 Dec 1789, Bondsmam Charles Old & Sarah Lucy Walthall, Page 1, Item 15. Halifax Marriages
| m. Mary T. Chappell m: 10 May 1836 in Halifax Co, VA
| 3 William Phelps b: in Halifax Co, VA
| 3 Henry Phelps b: in Halifax Co, VA
| 3 Lucy Phelps b: in Halifax Co, VA m. George W. Thompson 24 Oct 1831, Page 1, Item 139. Halifax Marriages
| 3 Ailcey (Alice?) Phelps b: in Halifax Co, VA m. Daniel Whitmore 15 Mar 1823 Bondsman Henry Phelps, father, John Phelps signed certificate, Page 1, Item 115. Halifax Marriages
| 3 Martha Phelps b: in Halifax Co, VA
| 3 Jane Phelps b: in Halifax Co, VA m. Thomas Landrum 23 Mar 1835 witness Kester Tune, Page 1, Item 150. Halifax Marriages
. | 3 Nancy Phelps b: in Halifax Co, VA m. Kester Tune 20 Jan 1813 Bondsman John Phelps, Page 1, Item 83. Halifax Marriages
| 3 Frances ("Francis" in the will) Phelps b: 1815 ? in Halifax Co, VA d: Bet. 1841 - 1847 in Henry CO, TN.. m. George Arnn 23 Mar 1835, Bondsman John Phelps, Page 1, Item 143.Halifax Marriages
| 4 Lucy Ann Arnn b: 1835 in Henry CO, TN
| 4. Sarah Arnn b: 1838 in Henry CO, TN
| 4 Johnny Madison Arnn b: 1841 in Henry CO, TN
|
2 William Phelps (Walter Phelps has documented this descendant line at Ancestry.com Phelps-Weets-Saxon-Veal MASTER TREE) Deduced birth of abt 1765 based on: 1)Was the executor of John Phelps d. 1794 will . 2)Born bet 1760-1770 in the 1830 Henderson county, Tennessee census - and died in 1840 Henderson Co, TN) 3) He married E. McCraw in 1790 so likely at around 25, thus born around 1765. Was father's executor thus must be oldest son.
Residence: Abt. 1816 Pittsylvania Co, VA (Deeds) In many Halifax/Pittsylvania records but only in the 1820 Pittsylvania census. 1824: To Henderson Co, TN Halilfax Marriages Court and Pittsyilania deed records show his declining fortunes apparently precipitating the move to Chester/Henderson Co, TN
d. 1 Feb 1840 Henderson Co, TN m. Elizabeth McCraw 08 Nov 1790, no witness Bondsman James McCraw, Page 1, Item 20. Halilfax Marriages Court and Pittsyilania deed records show his declining fortunes apparently precipitating the move to Chester/Henderson Co, TN Below are the children of WIlliam (m. McCraw) based on his only Pittsylvania census of 1820 census All Sons b: Bet. 1795 - 1810
| 3 Wm (William) Phelps, Jr b: Abt.1777 See note 1. in Halifax or Pittsylvania Co, VA. m. unknown wife IS SEEN WITH A WIFE IN THE 1820 Pittsylvania census No other census.
| 3 Frederick F. Phelps (F. F. Phelps) b.Halifax, in Pittsylvania,( VA property records 2/20/1819: William is named as a resident of Pittsylvania Co Also named are Frederick Phelps and Daniel W. Phelps. Pitt bk 23 p 41; John Phelps, Halifax property records 1/22/1816 25A sold by William Phelps, names John Phelps and Frederick Phelps; Moved to Henderson Co, TN (census records) Also see this article and note 2
| 3 John Wimbush Phelps b.Halifax, m. Lodicia "Dicy" Brightwell Pittsylvania Co,Va , 12/27/1825; moved to Henderson Co, TN See note 2 ; moved to Chocktaw, Yalobusha, Ms, 1850 Census
| 3 Samuel M. Phelps b.Halifax, d. May 1860 Choctaw CO, Ms. m. Matilda Frances Rutledge abt 1829 Henderson Co, TN. Moved to Henderson Co, TN See note 2 moved to Chocktaw/Yalobusha, Ms, 1850 Census
| 3 Son5 Phelps
| 3 Son6 Phelps
| 3 Daughter1 phelps b: Bet. 1776 - 1794 in Halifax or Pittsylvania Co
| 3 Daughter2 Phelps b: Bet. 1805 - 1810 in Halifax or Pittsylvania Co
| 3 Daughter3 Phelps b: Bet. 1795 - 1804 in Halifax or Pittsylvania Co
| 3 Daughter4 Phelps b: Bet. 1795 - 1804 in Halifax or Pittsylvania Co
| 3 Daughter5 Phelps b: Bet. 1795 - 1804 in Halifax or Pittsylvania Co
2 Salley Phelps m. Thomas Carr See father's will
2 Jane Phelps m. Byrne See father's will
2 Milley Phelps m. Pettey See father's will
2 Fanney Phelps m. Richard Johnson 13 July 1784, Page 1, Item 204, Halifax Marriages. Also See father's will
2 Polley (Patty) Phelps Patty Phelps m. Richard Walne 20 Aug 1785 Bondsman John Phelps Witness W. Peter Martins, Page 1, Item 7. Halifax Marriages Also See father's will
Note 1: This early birth is based on the Pttsylvania 1820 census (Wm Phelps Jr) and his presence as a 1792 witness, and is before his parents married in 1790. He was a deed witness in 1792: John jr buys 100 A. Witness John, William Phelps, William Sr, Elizabeth Phelps. Halifax deed book 15, p 442. View image here. In colonial America,generally speaking, children aged 14 and over could legitimately perform a variety of legal actions: such as deed witness. Interesting also is that his father's 1820 census record also shows a female born as 1776-1794 and could have been a sister. This implies either an adoption or an earlier wife of William Sr.
Note 2 Tthe 1830 Henderson census, page 82 shows William Phelps age 60 - 69, three names away is John W., then on the next page (83) is son Samuel Phelps
See Halifax marriage records here
Unaccounted for Halifax marriages:
Johanna Phelps married James Chisom 06 July 1796, Page 1, Item 34.
Frances Phelps married Richard Johnson 13 July 1784, Page 1, Item 204.
Patsy Phelps m. Stephen H. Landrum 01 Nov 1824, Bondsman John Phelps, Page 1, Item 116. Halifax marriages
Of note:
Sarah Phelps married Banister Priddy 16 June 1815 Bondsman William Phelps witness Kester Tune, Page 1, Item 88. KNown to be daughter of Rueben Phelps of the Caswell line and is in the
1850 Henderson Co Tn Census
John Phelps d 1794 Halifax
Support and rebuttal of the "Captain" title for this John Phelps
David Gerth, davidgerth@aol.com, who has researched his own phelps lineage of this line, provided the following .It states that the John of Halifax was also a captain. If anyone can refute please do so.
Reference: Virginia Vital Records #1 1600s-1800s (Family Tree Maker CD 174)
"Revolutionary Soldiers of Halifax County
Records, Court of Pleas 1774-1777
" The following persons are recommend by his excellency the governor......."
William Sydnor, 2nd lieut.Capt. John Phelp's Company"
He also wrote: These Phelps were also residing in Charlotte County, Va among others. The movement to Kentucky predates Kentucky becoming a state, not all of the family members went/stayed in Kentucky. This family had many land holdings from early on in Virginia and Maryland, basically following the westward movement that was fairly common at the time. Agreed that some have confused the "Bedford" Phelps with other lines.
I also asked him about his line and perhaps a ydna test He had written: : Zachariah Phelps born in Fleming County, Kentucky in 1845. His wife was Nancy Barksdale the daughter of Daniel S Barksdale. Daniel was born in Tennesse in 1812 and was a minister in Fleming County, Kentucky ca 1850. Zachariah's father and grandfather were William Phelps born in Kentucky in 1816 and Zachariah Phelps born in Virginia in 1779 respectively. Zachariah Phelp's grandfather and grandmother were John and Drucilla Phelps of Halifax County, Virginia. He responded that there are no living descendants from his grandmothr’s line
Gerth's web site is http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/g/e/r/David-M-Gerth/index.html
Disputed by lonnieg385 AT aol.com: History of Pittsylvania County " Gent John Phelps" in 1750 was to collect tithables from Falling River to Goose Creek including Northern Halifax, Pittsylvania, Charlotet and Campbell counties. pg 68 comission is sent to Capt John Phelps for the Bedford Militia. Since our John was called Gent. in Pittsylvania County.I don't believe he was ever a Capt.
D. Phelps comment: The 1750 date above appears to be misleading because some of those counties formed AFTER 1750. For example, Bedford formed from Albemarle/Lunenberg in 1753 Pittsylvania was formed from Halifax in 1766 see http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~george/countyformations/virginiaformationmaps.html
1794 Will of John Phelps
1793 - Halifax Co., VA, Will Book 3, Wills 1792-1797, p.92.
I, John PHELPS, of Antrim Parish of Halifax, being weak of body but of perfect sense.....
To my son, William PHELPS - the land and plantation whereon I now live, and 1 Negro girl named Hanner, and 1 cow and calf and sow and pigs. William is to pay all my just debts and is to pay the rest of my children as follows: John PHELPS - 15 pounds, Sally CARR - 10 pounds, Jane BYRNE - 10 pounds, Betsey ROYSTER - 15 pounds, Milley PETTEY - 10 pounds, Fanney JOHNSON - 10 pounds, Polley WALNE - 15 pounds. For distributing the money and paying my debts, William is to have 6 Negros and household furniture and stock.
To my son, John PHELPS - the land and plantation whereon he now lives, and 1 Negro boy named Stephen. If John does not get a deed to the land that was James McCRAW's, he is to have 40 pounds out of the balance of my estate. If he gets a deed to the above land, he is to have 10 pounds.
To my daughter, Salley CARR - 200 acres of the land and plantation whereon she now lives, and 1 Negro girl named Mary.
To my daughter Jane BYRNE - the land and plantation whereon she now lives, and 1 Negro man named Moses, and 1 Negro girl named Winney, for service done in working for me.
To my daughter, Betsey ROYSTER - the land and plantation where she now lives, and 1 Negro girl named Sis.
To my daughter, Milley PETTEY - 200 acres of the land and plantation whereon she now lives, and 1 Negro woman named Ester and child named Richmond.
To my daughter, Fanney JOHNSON - 114 acres of land whereon she now lives, 1 Negro womaen named Rachel, and 1 Negro girl named Cila, during her natural life, and then to be divided among her children.
To my daughter, Polley WALNE - 1 Negro boy named Reuben and 1 Negro girl named Darkus, during her natural life, and then to be divided among her children.
To my granddaughter, Johannis PHELPS - 1 Negro girl named Christain.
To my wife, Drusilla - the remainder of my estate during her life. The remainder consists of 6 Negros and my household furniture and stock.
Executor: son, William PHELPS.
Signed 4 Sept 1793 - John PHELPS.
Wit. - Finne DIXON, John BARLEY, Ambrose Heart, Judith BARNES.
Probate: At H Court of 27 Jan 1794, the Will of John PHELPS, deceased, was exhibited in court by William PHELPS, proven and or. William PHELPS was granted a certificate for obtaining probate; securities were Henry BASS, Hawkins LANDRUM, abs James McCRAW.
John Phelps, son of john d. 1794
Halifax VA Census 1830 (John Philps) age 60-69, with children and slaves thus born 1761-1770
Halifax VA Census 1840 age 70-79, with children and slaves
1845 Will of John "son-of-John-of-Halifax-d-1794" Phelps (Image of will is available)
From Halifax February Court 1846, Named are:
Wife, Mary T.
Henry
William Phelps
Nancy Phelps
Martha
Henry
Aileery
Jane "to the children of"
Francis (has to be a misspelling of Frances) "to the children of"
William Phelps son of John Phelps d 1794
2/20/1826 Grantor Elizabeth (wf) Phelps and William Phelps, Cerfificate of Acknowledgement Pittsylvania DB 27 page 521
9/24/1827" Est-TR" William is described as the “late William of Pittslyvania where he lived” the deedbook index shows a William as the “grantor” and Elizabeth is named. Pittsylvania Deedbook 29 p 226
William Phelps (Sr)
1820 Pittsylvania, VA Census for William Phelps
free white males under 10: 2 born bet 1800-1809
free white males 16-26: 1 born bet 1794-1804
free white males 45+: 1 born before 1775
free white females 10-16: 1 born bet 1804-1810
free white females 16-26: 3 born bet 1794-1804
free white females 26-45: 1 born bet 1775 and 1794
free white females 45+: 1 born before 1775
so all 8 children born bet 1775 and 1810
1830 Henderson Co, TN, Census
free white males 15-19: 1
free white males 20-29: 2
free white males 60-69: 1 b. 1760-1770
free white females 30-39: 2
free white females 60-69: 1 b. 1761-1770
Willam Phelps Jr
1820 Pittsylvania, VA CENSUS Wm Phelps Jr son of William Phelps ( son of John d. 1794)
Free white males 26 and under 45: born bet 1775 and 1794
Free white females 16 and under 26: born bet 1794 and 1804
1792: John jr buys 100 A. Witness John, William Phelps, William Sr, Elizabeth Phelps. Halifax deed book 15, p 442. View this in the downloadable files below
Pre-1800 Halifax and Bedford deed books and other materials contain many references to Phelps beginning in 1742 when the areas of these two counties were in Lunenberg Co. I was hoping to find a reference to Isham Phelps. He was listed as a Halifax resident in an 1831 Caswell deed – which curiously mentioning a Mill Cr in Caswell Co.(home of James Phelps of Caswell. I found no reference in Halifax or Bedford Counties deed books before 1800, and I did not pursue the records of the 1800s. (Mill Creek is somewhat of a generic name for creeks of that time – and there was also a Mill Creek in southern Halifax county, VA. As well as in Person Co.) BASED ON 2012 RESEARCH PROVING THAT THE JOHN WHO WITNESSED THE WILL OF JAMES OF CASWELL WAS IN FACT THE JOHN OF HALIFAX, THIS LENDS STRONG SUPPORT TO THE TWO LINES BEING RELATE.
To view a map showing the approximate property owned by this line, view the downloadable files below.
I, D. Phelps, feel I searched the complete inventory of the Pre-1800 Halifax documents. This includes Halifax books: the abstracts of: will books 1752-1797, deed books 1752-1796, plea books 1752-1851, property tax list 1782-1791, Marriage bonds/ministers’ returns 1753-1800; land entries 1737-1770 in present Halifax, Pittsylvania, Henry and Patrick counties; Election of Burgess voter list 1764-1769; plus several other miscellaneous books. While I used the inventory of the NC Library in Raleigh, I compared to make sure it fully covers all the material at the Court Clerk’s office in Halifax. I also reviewed other several nearby county abstract books. In all I found only two listed James references for the proper period.
Deaths and births were listed only in parish records in colonial times. Since marriages were sometimes only listed in parish records, I reviewed all the available parish documents. None of the needed area parish marriage, death and birth records remain in existence but Vestry minutes are often available. Those searched were Atrim 1752-1818 (Halifax); Cumberland 1746-1816 (Lunenburg); Camden 1767-1852 (Pittsylvania); St James 1744-1806 (Goochland). Russel parish (Bedford) was not available in Raleigh but in any case, its records start too late in 1778. James does not appear in these books except for the items listed above. Clearly many records are lost forever
To view other researched genealogy for this line see the below files,
including the land grant of 1900 acres naming Terrible creek with an associated map Property lines from an Old Survey Book, Haliax Co, VA 1741 - 1901 See Liberty - Terrible Creek VA0001.jpg below
(2081k)